Leo Varkdar has announced his resignation as Taoiseach, and Simon Harris, an active member of Fine Gael, is set to take his place. At the age of 37, he is set to become the youngest Prime Minister in Irish history. A first! But who is he really?
In Irish politics, Simon Harris is a notable figure, best known for his role within Fine Gael, one of the country’s main political parties. Over the years, Harris has distinguished himself through his commitment to various fields, notably health and education, having served as Minister of Health before taking on responsibilities in other government sectors.
His career has been marked by a drive for reform and innovation, contributing to significant changes in Irish public services.
Simon Harris, currently Minister for Higher Education, was the only candidate to put himself forward as leader of the Fine Gael party. As a result, he has succeeded Leo Varakdar as future Taoiseach.
Harris is expected to propose a policy in the same spirit as his predecessor, focused on openness, liberal democracy, market economics with a touch of social democracy to temper inequalities, and a deep commitment to the European Union.
As soon as the news of his appointment broke, Simon Harris was quick to praise Leo Varadkar:
At every turn, he has delivered, whether on the existential threats of Brexit and COVID or on his contribution to key moments of social change in this country. I know and believe that his legacy has been important since 2010.
Leo Vardkar sprang a surprise on Wednesday March 20, when he announced his unexpected resignation… for political and personal reasons. His resignation comes just after the failure of the March 8 referendum, in which a government proposal was put forward to amend the passages of the 1937 Constitution concerning the place of women and the family in Ireland.
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